Only slightly less treacherous than a broken A/C unit for those of us in Florida, clogged drains are an unfortunate part of life and it can be difficult to know whether or not to call in a professional. If water is still flowing or the blockage is caused by organic matter like coffee grounds or hair, home remedies can potentially clear up the issue! If there's no water flow, the clog is located behind a wall or under the floor, or if the clog was caused by hard objects or sewage, you're best off calling a professional plumber to tackle the issue. However, if you aren't certain what is causing the issue or how extensive the problem is, it's always better to air on the side of caution and hire a professional. With a professional on the case, you can be confident your plumbing issue is in capable hands and being taken care of to the fullest extent.

Simple clogged drains may be able to be resolved by home remedies.

When assessing your clogged drain, check if...

When your shower isn't working properly, it can disrupt your entire household here in Florida. However, it can be difficult to know whether you can simply repair your shower, or if you need to bite the bullet and replace part of it. If you notice leaks, slow drainage, or cracks in your tiles or grout, your shower probably only needs a small repair. If your shower water is discolored, the water won't stay hot, or there is fluctuating water pressure, you may need to think about replacing part of your shower. Whether you need to repair or replace your shower, you should contact a professional to do it for you.

When do you need to repair your shower?

There are many situations where your shower will only require a simple repair. These situations include:

• Minor leaks: Besides being an annoyance, leaks can also cost you money due to the wasted water. Leaks often occur because a part in your shower is loose; therefore, if you notice any minor leaks in your...

Although we love the water here in Florida, a water leak is never fun – and they can be much more difficult to identify than we might typically think, subtly causing damage in our home or business while we're unaware. However, there are some telltale signs of leaking that you can keep an eye on to avoid missing a leak and having it grow into a bigger problem. If your water bill is higher than normal or you have reduced water pressure, that water is being accounted for somewhere, and it could be a leaky pipe in the wall! Peeling or blistering on paint or wallpaper, as well as mold forming on the walls, are other signs that some type of leak could be lurking in the shadows. If you stay vigilant for these signs, you'll identify potential problems sooner, and sooner is better when it comes to a leak!

1. Your Water Bill Is Higher Than Normal

A higher-than-normal water bill can show that something abnormal is going on with your water usage, and that's...

It's one of the worst types of clogged drains you can get, and unfortunately, one that most of us will have to encounter in our lifetimes: a clogged, overflowing toilet. It can result in hours of cleanup and plenty of headaches – but don't panic! The first thing you need to do is to turn off the toilet's water supply to keep the flooding from getting worse. Next, attempt to clear the clog in the toilet so that the excess water can drain out. If you're unable to clear the blockage, call a professional ASAP. The sooner the clog is cleared up, the sooner you can get back to having a sanitary, functioning bathroom, so don't hesitate to call in the big guns of your local plumbing company in Florida!

Cut off the toilet's water supply by turning off the main shutoff valve.

The first step in addressing a clogged and overflowing toilet is to stop the influx of water. Take the lid off of the tank of the toilet and locate the flapper that allows...

Over time, all plumbing fixtures eventually become worn or faulty. Even that bright, shiny kitchen or bathroom faucet that you love so much will one day begin leaking or making loud squeaky sounds. But when it breaks, how do you know whether to repair or replace.

Determining whether to repair or replace your faucet requires basic knowledge of how a faucet works. This can aid in knowing whether to repair or replace your damaged faucet. For example, if your faucet is dripping, squeaking, or exhibiting irregular water flow, repair may be in order. However, if you're noticing an unending string of problems, high water bills, or if there's physical damage, a replacement could be your best option.

When it may be appropriate to repair your faucet.

While sometimes salvaging your faucet is simply not an option, there are other instances where repairing it is the best way to go. Here are a few cases where a repair should get the job done:

• Your faucet is dripping....